Trudeau explains to New York crowd why men should be feminists (VIDEO)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not shy about calling himself a feminist.
Trudeau made an impassioned speech about feminism at We Day UN in New York City earlier this week.
“It is so important that we all understand that it’s not only that men can be feminists, it’s that men should be feminists as well. And I am proud of that,” said Trudeau during his speech.
“Being a feminist for me means recognizing that men and women should be, can be, must be equal. And secondly, that we still have an awful lot of work to do.”
Trudeau encouraged the crowd to take part in a movement called HeforShe, a UN solidarity campaign for the advancement of women across the globe. The Prime Minister is an ambassador for the campaign and has been outspoken about gender equality in the past.
“How we treat our sisters, our girlfriends, our cousins, our mothers, and the world around us, matters. We need to take back what it is to be a man and that means being open, compassionate, respectful, and brave about standing up for it.”
‘How many of you are feminists out there?’ @JustinTrudeau asks #WEday UN. ‘Men should be feminists. I am proud of that!’ #UNGA #HeForShe pic.twitter.com/0u8FRVuV1B
— WE (@WEMovement) September 20, 2017
Trudeau was joined on by his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who also spoke about the important role boys and men play as feminists.
“Boys are wonderful, creative, and wise human beings. And you guys, when you live in a culture that sometimes narrows your notion of what it is to be male and to be masculine, it doesn’t celebrate your potential,” she said.
“And you are amazing human beings and we need you at every step at making this world a more just place for all.”
You can watch the Trudeau’s full speech at We Day UN below.